Review Centre: Background Music Bands

"A complimentary glass of bubbly is always a good sign as you step through the door. Or, in this case, as you step aboard. We were on the elegant Millennium Diamond, a handsome modern catamaran leaving from Westminster Pier for a jazz cruise of the Thames. Jazz and dinner. And bubbly. With Big Ben glowing in the mellow late evening light, we cast off (I think that’s the term). We were presented with a small safety lecture and a large plate of tapas. As we glided by the London Eye and under bridges, the boat’s resident jazz band began to play. They are Chi Jazz: Noel Jay on electric keyboards, Matt Tween on bass, Steve Grainger a disciple of Johnny Hodges with a penchant for sneaking cheeky little quotations from The Pink Panther into his solos on alto sax and John Clarke on drums. Debbie Cobbett was guest vocalist. And this is a crack quartet, as was made clear by their opening number A Foggy Day (In London Town) — a great tune, though you could hardly have chosen a less foggy day than this scorching, gorgeous summer occasion with sunlight striking through the panoramic windows. Grainger’s alto was in the lead, offering sweetly swaying, reverberant cadences. The stately skyline of London surged grandly past as the combo commenced I’ve Got You Under My Skin with Debbie Cobbett joining in on warm, mellow vocals. As Grainger’s sax played debonair, descending phrases with the setting sun glinted on the river waves and the Shard rearing gleaming against the sky it became clear we were in for a tremendously pleasant experience. Red double-decker buses rolled across Cannon Street Bridge and HMS Belfast hove into view as the band began A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, reinforcing their excellent choice of songs. Noel Jay provided a delicate drapery of keyboards and Grainger went down a spiral bebop staircase on his alto. Matt Tween’s warm bass rolled like the waves as Jay embarked on a discursive, detailed solo. Steve Grainger’s playing on Moon River was reflective and rhapsodic, coming at the tune from all angles with an echoing complexity of commentary. Noel Jay’s ringing keyboard solo excavated the melody from a solid body of improvisation while the steady cadence of John Clarke’s exemplary work on cymbals and brushes rooted the tune. The only way the band could have improved the evening’s music was by playing The Way You Look Tonight — which they proceeded to do. Jay performed a chiming, charging solo while Grainger’s alto scooted and soared above and John Clarke’s drumming skilfully kicked the number forward. This was bop adapted for the dinner hour, and none the worse for it. The sun descended in a benign hot blaze over Tower Bridge, the blue sky scribbled with white contrails as One Note Samba provided a showcase for soloists. Steve Grainger’s fluid sax purred with restraint as he skirted the tune and Noel Jay played bright raucous phrases and dancing long lines against the backdrop of Matt Tween’s big, ripe bass and John Clarke’s steady, constant shimmer of drums. I could also tell you about The Girl from Ipanema but I was too busy concentrating on my moist, flavoursome chicken breast in ratatouille — which is a pity, because both Grainger’s sax and Jay’s keyboards were at their best as I stuffed my mouth full of buttery mashed potato. With the riggings of the Cutty Sark floating above the dark trees and the nocturnal sweep of the city silhouetted against the last of the blue sky, it was clear that this was an unbeatable way to spend an evening. Great music, great food, great experience. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Was exactly what we hoped for; he plays beautifully and it was a pleasure to have him join us for dinner. Many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to let you know how happy we were with the Platinum string quartet. They were flexible, professional and wonderful musicians. I would definitely use they again for another function."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great evening with Love For Sale! Music was great and the band was very flexible and friendly. We had a great time withour clients and Love For Sale definitly knows how to create a great atmosphere. Thank you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Emma played at my Mum’s 60th Birthday Party. Her performance was amazing and brought the party alive! She happily took requests but knew exactly which songs were required to keep the dance floor filled! Emma provided a faultless service from booking to performance, I would highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mary V & The Party Grooves performed at our wedding at the Beach House, Jersey Island in August and she brought a magical and personal touch to the songs they played. Her smooth, sexy, but unique voice is truly inspirational. Mary is highly professional and very talented."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you all so much for playing at our wedding on Thursday. All the guests loved you and it made the ceremony and drinks reception so special xxxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hiya Everyone loved the music - Pachelbel Canon, Thinking aloud, 'Better together' and 'Lucky - and the vibe it added to our ceremony and reception drinks. It really complimented our wedding. Thankyou very much! Kind Regards Becky X "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"ONE OF THE BEST ACTS AND SHOWS WE HAVE HAD. George Michael tribute with Soul'N'Funk Band has to be one of the best acts and shows we have had in this theatre for a few years, so authentic and highly energetic with great vocals, backing vocalists and a great band, the audience was up dancing from the very first song right through till the end of the show, these guys will be back for sure. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band, super professional. The sound is unique and very uplifting. I would recommend to see these guys performing live, positive energy through out the sets."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fabulous band... fantastic time at daughter's wedding last Saturday, everyone said what a great time they had with the band. Can not recommend enough... you will not be disappointed! Thank you boys!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Pop Roulette played at our wedding recently and they were amazing!!! Got everyone up on the dance floor and definitely got the party started! I would highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We really loved the magical performance you gave at our wedding. It complimented our theme and made the day very memorable. Thank you for everything"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you again for being there on our big day. You were amazing. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely brilliant! These guys surely know how to entertain! They have something for everyone, from pop hits and ballads, to rock and country songs. Very talented."

Reply by Blow Up Acoustic
Thank you so much, always a pleasure!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: